68–75: Week of Shivers

The Week of Shivers marks a time when the last gasps of winter haunt the Dreamlands, refusing to yield entirely to spring's promises. Cold winds sweep through Rinyldissen, bringing chills and discomfort, while the people endure this liminal season with resilience, ritual, and often dark humor. It’s a week of testing and fortitude, steeped in superstitions and practical preparations for the coming warmth.

(68) Devondag; Cold Vigil

• • Temples hold evening vigils, where citizens gather in cloaks and blankets to pray for the final passing of winter.
  • Children light small fires in lanterns or jars to represent the fragile hope of spring.

(69) Gallerdag; Broken Branches

• • Citizens collect fallen branches from winter storms, turning them into charms or kindling for their hearths.
  • It’s believed that burning these branches clears away winter’s lingering curses.

(70) Sterdag; Hearth Day

• • A day dedicated to household warmth, where families focus on repairing their homes, cleaning chimneys, and baking bread.
  • Many share stew and mulled wine, warding off the chill together.

(71) Hanzedag; Feast of the Frost Spirits

• • Mystics and children leave small bowls of milk or honey outside their doors to appease frost spirits, ensuring they don’t linger too long into spring.
  • The day has a playful edge, with pranks and harmless tricks blamed on these mischievous spirits.

(72) Vrillerdag; Chill’s Bargain

• • Merchants and guilds hold a market day, selling thick cloaks, boots, and warming stones at lower prices to prepare people for the final stretch of cold.

(73) Begodag; The Bitter Wind

• • Known for its superstitions, this day warns against traveling far from home, as cold winds are said to carry misfortune.
  • The streets are unusually quiet, and most people stay indoors, waiting for the winds to pass.

(74) Arandag; Breaking the Ice

• • Communities gather to break the ice on rivers or ponds, symbolizing the end of winter’s grip.
  • This is often followed by small celebrations with food and music, as people anticipate spring’s return.

(75) Ayedag; Day of Endurance

• • The week ends with a focus on fortitude and resilience. Families share stories of hardship and survival, reminding one another of their strength to endure the last cold days.

Themes of the Week of Shivers

• Fortitude and Survival: The week emphasizes resilience in the face of lingering hardship.
• Superstition and Ritual: Frost spirits and symbolic fires highlight the mystical connection to the changing seasons.
• Community and Preparation: People come together to prepare their homes and hearts for spring, even as winter tries to hold on.